We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The many hidden architectural gems (despite the removal of so much of the historic centre)!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2017 will be the centenary of D'Arcy Thompson's amazing book On Growth and Form, "the greatest work of prose in 20th century science". Written in Dundee using the specimens in D'Arcy's museum, it has literally changed the world, influencing not just biologists and mathematicians but artists, architects, philosophers, geographers, engineers, cyberneticists, computer scientists, anthropologists and umpteen others! Today the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the city's hidden gems, its amazing collections brought to life through a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has long been the central hub of video games development in Scotland. The days of 300 employee developers are gone, but in their place a thriving, vibrant community of smaller developers has emerged. More agile, more creative and more suited to the constantly changing world of video games. It's an exciting time for Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since starting to work in Dundee in 2011, the changes have been phenomenal. I think a hidden secret is the area stretching along to City Quay from the city centre. City Quay is an incredible asset for the city and one which I hope will really flourish with the continued development of the Waterfront.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> D'arcy Thompson museum within the University of Dundee. Packed full of beautifully presented gems of the natural world (including Shackelton's Penguin!) and a lovely collection of art inspired by nature. And it's free!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee aint no cookie cutter moulded city, and thank goodness for that. It is a force to be reckoned with in its continuous drive to reinvent itself time and again throughout its history, most recently in the birth of the waterfront project and the blossoming of the city's visual and performing arts scene. It is great to see that Dundee never tires of 'discovering' new talents within itself, and long may that last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has got knocked down, it got up and continued. There is a feeling in the city that it won't be stopped whatever happens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The location and the beautiful views from balgay park and the law
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee eagles rugby club, which encourages team work and life skills to children from Primary 1 right through to secondary whilst being active and learning to play rugby.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity - so many people who paint, sing, write and want to share it. The enthusiasm and love of the arts sets this city apart from anywhere else in the UK
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nobody crowds you here, but nobody goes it alone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You "Discover" it !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is outstanding. There's so much talent crammed into this wee city. The creative community is close knit and supportive without being cliquey. It welcomes you in with open arms and encourages you to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city with plenty of positives. It's people with their generosity of spirit, friendliness and diversity. The cultural heritage and the breadth of cultural and educational opportunities available - plenty to see and do. A good place to be - whether living or visiting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Centre doesn't cover a very wide area but it has everything you'd ever need. Lovely and compact but with all the big shops as well as the lovely independent cafes for some variation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I travel over the bridge by train, I am alsways filled with such pride being greeted by the simply stunning views. I've seen many a time where people have never travelled this way before are excited by the views, getting up out of their seats to try and see more, and the lovely comments you overhear people make, makes you smile from ear to ear :-) ...also, going down to Broughty Ferry Beach and watching dolphins - just wonderful. No where better in the world, and the sands and shores compete with any mediterranean coastline on a sunny day B-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where you can go for a walk in the hills in the morning, enjoy the beach in the afternoon, and then recharge yourself with a great meal and drink before catching some live music or a play in the evening. Everything is so accessible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee roller girls great bunch i just joined, the theatres the dca my daughter loves going to the art shows, the universities diverse people you meet
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is that moment when you are on a train coming North when you come round the corner of the track just before the bridge and see the city panorama. Gets me every single time I do it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden secrets is the wonderful night sky which can be seen above and around it - as most Dundonians sleep there can often be see the Northern Lights and rare Noctilucent clouds giving a wonderful backdrop to the city. Dundee is a photographers paradise - from the at times quirky architecture, its stunning location on the Tay, its bridges, its surrounding countryside, and its people - always varied, always individual, always Dundonian :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Exchange street. It's full of little independent shops, cafes and restaurants that are way better than the usual chain stores.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an annual visitor to this great city I can only say what a wonderful warm welcome we always receive both from staff at Caird Hall,an amazing venue, and from local people in eating places and in the street when seeking directions. A great place to be a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't deny its flaws, instead uses the wide range of skills that its diverse population has to offer to tackle problems. The range of voluntary and statuary services in Dundee amazed me when I started working in the voluntary sector, and I'm proud to say I've been part of it. The city has a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve, I've lived here for 4 years since coming for university and I'm reminded on a daily basis why I decided to stay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an ideal city for students who are living for the first time away from home. It has a vibrant creative industry, a diverse night life, good shopping and everything is within walking distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its really come on since I lived there until 2007.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful city with a fabulous location and THE most friendly, funny people. Drinking Pinot Grigio whilst watching dolphins on Brought Ferry beach swim by - priceless :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The great art collection in the McManus Gallery. And the great mixture of Architecture in the city such as the grand old houses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What amazes me about Dundee is the friendliness of Dundonians. Just like Glasgow, is it to do with the industrial history of the city? Very sunny, enjoyed every day here as a student!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whilst I don't claim to know Dundee well enough to comment on the 'hidden secrets', I do plan to move there and find them out. What I like about Dundee is that it is not too big, is walkable in and around, has a lovely waterfront location and is brimming with potential. There are some cracking restaurants and lovely vistas all across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic, thriving life sciences research at the University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee ....... best City in Britain
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that Dundee has the most friendly, funny people and that once you break the ice we are all global citizens.
That and the fact that we are grounded and there are no pretensions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of Dundee from the Fife side of the Tay. Strolling in Camperdown Park. Great eateries on Perth Rd, especially for fish and chips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is not only a place of wonder, but is also the city of discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get away from Dundee, there was nothing here I thought we could be proud of. Now, upon my return after having lived away for many years there's nothing I'm not proud of. The city is changing beyond recognition, but its sense of history and identity remains. It took me years to see the light, but all I want now is the best for Dundee and its people and to show the world what a great place this is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee - it's the visitors to the city that get surprised.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a rich hidden talent in our young people in Dundee. A wealth of Artistic and Musical Talent in the under 18's that needs more opportunity to showcase what it can do. At present only one Art exhibition a year in the city that is council supported, for our S6 pupils, hopefully by 2017 this can be expanded to let these fantastic young people show the city what they can do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 2000 and intended to stay just long enough to do my degree, I am still here 13 years later, I fell in love with a city with a warm and friendly feel. My favourite thing in Dundee is our selection of parks, I particularly love Baxter Park, I'm lucky enough to live overlooking the park. Me and my dog love walking in the park. It's beautiful, clean and well looked after.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the buried hidden secrets for me is the old Dundee Rep Theatre. I was lucky enough to work there as a child and teenager. These opportunities embedded within me a voice, a confidence and an understanding of others.
It also catapulted me into drama school, teaching and lecturing in colleges and universities across Scotland.
Dundee introduced me to the Drama and shaped my personal,professional and cultural life/lifestyles.
Work has taken me away for 35 years and I only returned 2 years ago.
A working class "laddie fae the scheme" who turned "oot no too bad!"
I am not the hero in this story..Dundee is!! Cityof Discovery indeed!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the independant shops along the Perth Road are well worth a look, with great cafes, restaruants, art shops, pubs, flower shops and gift shops, you can find everything you need to while away the day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome, the activity, the music, the drama, the films, the plays, the art - within Dundee and within reach of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Finding a little piece of history right under your nose from the Howff, the walks about the Women of Dundee, and the plaques that are displayed throughout the City which tell you about its history. My kids love the Dare ProPlay event which takes place each year, .You cant beat the feeling of pride when you return from your travels and see the City of Dundee laid out before you - you know your home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think it's great that the sun shines so much in Dundee. Seeing Dundee from across the Tay with the sun shining on it is a wonderful sight. Every time you look you see something different.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The View (from the Tay Bridge when the sun is setting towards Perth). Dundee United (in sport for all the community). Brian Cox (Stack, a nod to our industrial heritage). The Discovery (of a place where all are welcome). The Road and the Miles to Dundee (and also the road to Broughty Ferry for an ice cream at Visocchi's). Magdalen Green (future for the Waterfront). The Beano (we will all have in 2017).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of culture to be found in such a small geographic area.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for a weekend break 39 years ago and never left. All those beautiful green parks with stunning countryside on the doorstep. Four theatres and two museums and a planned Arts Centre( now the DCA) offer plenty to do. The people always were,and still are, welcoming and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Reputedly the FINEST WATERFRONT LOCATION in all of Europe. The SUNNIEST city in Scotland. FRIENDLY &amp; WELCOMING locals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One Cultural event that I really enjoyed taking part in was the city wide production of "Witches Blood 2". ( This was community theatre at it's best! ).

There is many more current examples of community theatre in Dundee, the production of "This Town" at the Verdant works being a another good example.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Magdalen Green Bandstand on a bright morning standing majestically looking out over the Tay - surely one of the most picturesque views in Scotland...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me that there are so many Graphic Designers who study at Duncan of Jordanstone and leave Dundee every year because of a lack of Graphic Design work. But there are so many other creative individuals doing great work within a variety of disciplines throughout the City and managing to sustain this successfully, without compromising on quality. With places like DCA, The Rep and with the V&amp;A on the horizon there should be an abundance of design work to go along with that. Which could potentially lead to the creation of more jobs in Dundee and strengthen the industry and culture within the City even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the architecture and the waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over this past year or so I have become interested in independent retailers and discovered Dundee has many of these hidden gems dotted about town! Each one unique and welcoming for you to discover on a journey of your own to find some hidden little treasure that you don't find amongst the chain stores...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of nature and natural history in and around the city amazes me, we have the Miley, Trottick, Clatto and the new reserve at Riverside. I also love being so close to the Angus Glens and the Perthshire hills where you can see all sorts of different fauna and animals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are hidden riches within the University of Dundee - for example the William McTaggart painting in the waiting room at the Dental Hospital. It was gifted by William Boyd, first chairman, a noted art collector who actually sold a Van Gogh to endow our first chair of dental surgery (though at the time he would have got more money if he'd sold the McTaggart!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything is walkable within an hour. Up the law, Balgay park, great views. Serenity of the Houff cemetery city center. Along Perth road to Invergowrie/ Kingoodie for the botanic gardens or carry on to the quarry. From the docks along the waterfront to Broughty Ferry, much more but only 100 words.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With tens of thousands of miles behind me and the privilege of being able to work anywhere in Europe and Canada, there is something special about Dundee. It's more of an atmostphere, combined with its natural beauty and blatent history and disparity. I find myself longing to come back, drawing creative inspiration and hopefully giving back along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student in 1993 and decided to make it home - a small, friendly City with an abundance to do and entertain - from theatre at the Rep, to events for the whole family at the DCA and McManus Galleries. Whether your passion is for music, film, science, art, theatre or literature, there is something for everyone in this wonderful little city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a very friendly and happy city with many multi-cultural aspects and people. From shopping to food you can normally find what you want somewhere close.

We love to look back at our history but also keep an eye on the future with new technologies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised when the 48hour film competition came along how many extremely talented writers, film makers, photographers, actors, singers, songwriters and musicians were present in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city with such a rich history. Much to celebrate!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its the city of discovery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how nearly everyone I meet, from cabbies to people in the queue at the bank, has a story about their Dundee. Some are reminiscing about old Dundee but a lot are talking about what's going on in the city now and how vibrant it's becoming. The one thing they all are is proud of Bonnie Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A lovely city located over the bank of a l river, rich in history and Mecca of learning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm delighted that the University has introduced and encourages lots of different ethnic groups to come and live in the city. It opens up lots of different opportunities for the natives of Dundee, some of whom have never travelled outwith the city or abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, for me, has always been a source of inspiration in terms of culture and creativity.
It always surprises me that; no matter where you are in the world, you'll always meet someone who been to, or knows someone from here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much to offer at every time of the year and for every age, having only been in Dundee since 2005 I can't ever imagine leaving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I LOVE DUNDEE !!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural diversity of the city, particularly in the West End is an unexpected delight and the refurbished McManus Gallery is full of treasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Overlooking the city is Dundee Law, the plug of a long extinct volcano.

The view from the top is spectacular, reaching at least 20 miles east (to the Bell Rock lighthouse) and south (to Fife's Lomond Hills) as well as up the river westward towards Perth.

It is the perfect place to see just what a perfect position Dundee is in, on the banks of the silvery Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world.

Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie.

I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness.

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am a student at the University of Dundee, and I have lived and visited various cities in the UK are all good, but Dundee characterized by cohesion between its friendly population. I felt like I was home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it continues to keep discovering good (and great) things about itself - it continues to grow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Is a great city with many things to do and see and it also is the gateway to the Angus Glens and north Fife. But Most of all its the place I grew up in, went to school in, went plundering, went berry-picking in and is Home to the greatest team ever Dundee FC and when I finish my days working down in Leeds I will come Hame to the Big 'D' to see old friends and reconnect with this Constantly evolving city that never forgets its past. Forward Thinking Dundee...as always :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My daughter first came to Dundee 5 years ago to study medicine, it was very daunting for us as parents to send our first born to little known to us city in a foreign country. We needn't have worried she fitted in like a duck to water from the very minute she moved there and now it seems she has met the love of her life a local Dundee lad.. She has never felt unsafe in Dundee and on our many visits we have always enjoyed ourselves immensely, one of Dundee's greatest assets is it's close proximity to the sea, there's nothing we like more than taking the bus to Broughty Ferry. It's wonderful to see the amount of work in progress in Dundee and when it's all complete soon it will have undergone an amazing transformation. People of Dundee should be proud of their wonderful city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful folks who live in Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although Dundee is not particularly nice at first sight, the sunset from Broughty Ferry or the sunrise looking at Hilltown from the University is simply amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovation and culture that are driving forward a more welcoming, diverse and creative Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I really love the enthusiasm for the arts in Dundee. Growing up, I got myself heavily involved with the school orchestras and music theatre programmes. I think these were amazing opportunities and I feel very privileged to have grown up in a city with so many opportunities like these!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the tay
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having never stepped foot in the city until my first day at University I had no idea what to expect, but the friendliness and welcoming attitude got me straight away, 11 years later I feel like Dundee is home, and I am very excited about what my future holds living in this ever developing city. The open spaces in Dundee are great, you never feel enclosed. With such easy access to beautiful countryside, beaches, hills and forests, why would you need to live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Dundee in the '30's and through the war years. After graduation as an architect, I subsequently moved to Canada where I spent my professional life. In occasional visits back to Dundee I was saddened with the way the city had declined in those early post-war years. However on more recent visits back I have been greatly impressed with the remarkable transformation that has taken place.with such cultural innovations as the new waterfront development starting with acquiring Scott's antarctic ship and it's attached Museum, The Jute Museum and the current Art Gallery Project..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a way of sneeking up on you. I should know..i came on a 2 year contract and am still here almost 30 years later (despite having had several opportunities to leave) Whilst it may have deserved some of the criticism it used to receive(it was very insular), I believe it has evolved far more than any other city in the last 25 years. The change came when they brought the Discovery ship, the waterfront has finally changed and will be amazing when we get the V&amp;A . The V&amp;A in Dundee? They would never have believed it possible 25 years ago
I rest my case
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think that Dundee has one of the most beautiful locations for a city in the whole of the UK. The city's views over the River Tay never fail to make me stop and take a moment. The river brings a serenity to the city, it's like living in a vibrant seaside town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the beach in broughty ferry on a warm summers day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere at the Blues Bonanza is amazing. Loads of great bands, free and everybody gets on (most of the time). Great for visitors to see what Dundee can be like.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich legacy of Scottish traditional music being played every week by local musicians at The Fisherman's Tavern in Broughty Ferry (on Thursdays) and Mennies (The Speedwell Bar) on the Perth Road(on Tuesdays). This community of local musicians also supports the Tayside Young Fiddlers and leaders like fiddler, Karen Hannah, and piper Kyle Howie, teach and organize traditional music concerts at The Dundee Library in the beautiful Wighton Heritage Centre http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/library/wighton. Scottish traditional music is strong in Dundee and led by young talented pipers, unusual in Scottish session culture which is often led by fiddlers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visiting distance learning student, I thought the Dundee Backpackers Hostel was a hidden gem of the city's heritage. It is an unusual converted 16th-19th century building with layers of character and some interesting preserved objects on display. The city's rich culture is also represented by a vibrant and diverse art scene which adds to the enjoyment of being there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful ,location on the Tay Estuary surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches. Fascinating historic buildings like Macmanus and Caird Hall preserving a proud history. People cheerful and friendly despite recent economic difficulties.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to this beautiful city I was struck by the diversity of people and how well everone got on together. They made us feel so welcome and were so very helpful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think we have great potential to visitors and locals in that there are great closie tours of Victorian and medeaval histories. Stuart Walker does these tours and could speak for ages on the history of Dundee but we don't do enough of these tours and promote our own town. We could do more and shout about our town from the rooftops but tend to hide and don't push ourselves enough.
Dundee folk don't shout about their town and what it has, like the Macmanus Galleries, The Unicorn, The Discovery. Up wi the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving across the Tay Bridge, Dundee is a beautiful sight. It is a vibrant, friendly city with great community spirit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee band REVOLVER is the best Beatles tribute band in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries.

To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Science Festival and the Dundee Literary Festival are two events that I look forward to. The fact that eminent scientists and authors want to come to the City to share their experiences is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect city size - big enough to have great shops, restaurants, theatres and other amenities, but small enough to have a cosy, community feel. I love this city!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> when ever i am away driving on the west coast i always look forward to coming back and i can guarantee that when i am coming along the perth dual carriage way i am always on the look out for the top of ninewells hospital then i know i am home,,,its a great site to see......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in the UK and has a rich history and culture kept alive daily by the humble Dundonian. Lying on the North shores of the Firth of Tay with two leading Universities, a teaching hospital and home to large businesses like Alliance Trust, Michelin and NCR as well as a host of other multinational and local businesses Dundee is a great place to live. The cultural quarter with museums, theatres and restaurants and the upcoming V&amp;A at Dundee make Dundee a worthy contender for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Balgay Hill is an amazing place for taking photographs of wildlife or of views of the city. The seasonal changes can be captured by trees in Autumn or after heavy snowfalls. The Observatory is educational and in a prime site. The cemetary houses commonwealth graves and many very old graves ornately created and should be preserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the greenest cities in the UK.Everywhere you go in Dundee there are parks, green spaces and trees.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changes in the last 15 years... The skate factory becoming DCA, Generatorprojects from its inception to its Mid Wynd gallery, WASPS studios, McManus... The change from scary Perth Rd pubs like the Royal Piper and the Global Beer Company (under the Angus Hotel) to pleasant bars and cafes like the Parlour and the Art Bar.

:)

×